What's the recommended replacement millage for the R53's timing chain?

 

Some really good advice at post #3 and #6 HERE. Basically, stating that your timing chain is considered lifetime. The tensioner 11-31-7-510-801, however, is something you should consider to replace around the 75-80k mile mark.

 

Thank you!

 

You're welcome. Be sure to replace the nut along with the tensioner as well, 11-31-7-562-528. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

 

Is there really much difference between the OEM and the MINI branded one?

 

Genuine parts are parts that are acquired directly from the factory (directly from MINI), and actually come delivered in a MINI box. These parts are the exact same ones that you would get if you went to your local MINI dealer and ordered the part over the counter. These parts are typically much more expensive than their OEM counterparts because you are paying for the MINI name and their associated two-year warranty. When MINI first designs and builds a car, it subcontracts out with many different suppliers to supply parts for the car. Car manufacturers typically don't manufacture the parts that go into the cars - they assemble the cars from parts made by outside companies. The factory part that you purchase from the dealer is in fact a repackaged part from an external manufacturer. The term Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) refers to a company that has supplied some parts directly to MINI for the assembly of their cars. OEM parts are designed to be functionally equivalent to the Genuine (OE) ones. In some cases, the OEM part will be exactly like the Genuine with no visual or performance differences. In some cases, there may be slight cosmetic differences. Much more info here.

 

Pretty much what I thought. Thanks!

 

You're very welcome.